Things that could make or break a day care

May 5, 2014 4:15 PM

Photo: Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61

Image 1of/22

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 22

We talked with Rhian Allvin, executive director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, about how to identify a good child care center. Allvin also provides red flags to look for when choosing a day care. less

We talked with Rhian Allvin, executive director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, about how to identify a good child care center. Allvin also provides red flags to look for when ... more

Ask the center about its rate of turnover, Allvin recommends. As with any low-paying job, turnover will be fairly common, but if caregivers are constantly leaving the center, it's a sign you might want to go somewhere else. less

Ask the center about its rate of turnover, Allvin recommends. As with any low-paying job, turnover will be fairly common, but if caregivers are constantly leaving the center, it's a sign you might want to go ... more

In infant classrooms, look for caregivers who exhibit a lot of eye contact with the babies. They should also act warm and friendly toward the children, Allvin said.

In infant classrooms, look for caregivers who exhibit a lot of eye contact with the babies. They should also act warm and friendly toward the children, Allvin said.

Photo: Factoria Singular, Getty Images

In infant classrooms, look for caregivers who exhibit a lot of eye... Photo-6261887.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 22

Children should be engaged in age-appropriate educational activities.

Children should be engaged in age-appropriate educational activities.

Photo: Christopher Futcher, Getty Images

Children should be engaged in age-appropriate educational activities. Photo-6261888.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 5 of 22

Evaluate whether caregivers are interested in the children or whether they appear bored or frustrated by their duties.

Evaluate whether caregivers are interested in the children or whether they appear bored or frustrated by their duties.

Photo: Zero Creatives, Getty Images/Cultura RF

Evaluate whether caregivers are interested in the children or... Photo-6261889.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 6 of 22

Children should participate in group activities, especially problem solving, Allvin said. If you visit a center during the day and the kids are watching television, that's not a good sign.

Children should participate in group activities, especially problem solving, Allvin said. If you visit a center during the day and the kids are watching television, that's not a good sign.

Photo: Westend61, Getty Images/Westend61

Children should participate in group activities, especially problem... Photo-6261890.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 7 of 22

Pay attention to how many children are in the room compared to the number of caregivers. The state assigns limits for each age group. For instance, there must be one caregiver in the room for every four infants aged 0 to 11 months. less

Pay attention to how many children are in the room compared to the number of caregivers. The state assigns limits for each age group. For instance, there must be one caregiver in the room for every four infants ... more

Photo: Westend61, Getty Images/Westend61

Pay attention to how many children are in the room compared to the... Photo-6261891.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 8 of 22

The biggest red flag is a center that is not licensed or regulated, Allvin said. She recommends avoiding these types of centers.

The biggest red flag is a center that is not licensed or regulated, Allvin said. She recommends avoiding these types of centers.

Photo: Westend61, Getty Images/Westend61

The biggest red flag is a center that is not licensed or regulated,... Photo-6261892.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 9 of 22

Allvin encourages parents to spend as much time as they want observing day care classrooms. "Many parents feel it is not their place," she said. "But it absolutely is their place."

Allvin encourages parents to spend as much time as they want observing day care classrooms. "Many parents feel it is not their place," she said. "But it absolutely is their place."

Photo: Westend61, Getty Images/Westend61

Allvin encourages parents to spend as much time as they want... Photo-6261893.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 10 of 22

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regulates and licenses day care centers and provides a database of every licensed day care in the state and any violations each center has incurred. Here are a few violations we have found in state reports in the past, any of which could be considered a red flag by parents. less

Look for toys in a classroom that could be a choking hazard or... Photo-6261903.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 20 of 22

State inspectors prohibit caregivers from talking on the phone, texting or any other personal activity that takes their attention away from the children. Even a conversation between two adults can result in a citation if it distracts them from a playground or classroom. less

State inspectors prohibit caregivers from talking on the phone, texting or any other personal activity that takes their attention away from the children. Even a conversation between two adults can result in a ... more

Photo: Photosindia, Getty Images/photosindia

State inspectors prohibit caregivers from talking on the phone,... Photo-6261904.85241 - Houston Chronicle

Image 21 of 22

Corporal punishment is not allowed in child care centers in the State of Texas.

Corporal punishment is not allowed in child care centers in the State of Texas.